Warning Signs Of A Dangerous Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and you experience persistent headaches, blurred vision, abdominal pain, increased stress, inability to concentrate and mental changes, dizziness, frequent vomiting or malaise, call your doctor immediately.
These symptoms could be signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
This condition, also known as preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, occurs at around 20 weeks in 6% to 8% of pregnancies.
Preeclampsia can change quickly to a life-threatening situation for both the baby and the mother.
The exact cause of preeclampsia isn’t known.
But there are many theories, including:
- insufficient magnesium oxide and B6…
- calcium deficiency…
- a poor diet without enough fruits and vegetables…
- insufficient blood flow to the uterus…
- disruption of the hormonal balance that maintains blood vessel diameter…
- damage to the lining of the blood vessels…
- undiagnosed maternal high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or other conditions, or…
- a genetic tendency.
According to a study by Temple University researcher Kathleen Black, DNSc, RNC, which appears in the September/October 2007 issue of the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, a greater number of symptoms may mean the condition is getting worse.
Usually, nurses monitor pregnancy-induced hypertension on an outpatient basis.
But if it becomes severe enough, a pregnant woman can be hospitalized and even deliver early to “cure” the condition.
With gestational hypertension, there is high blood pressure without protein in the urine.
But the kidneys do leak protein in preeclampsia, which makes it the more dangerous of the two conditions because it can affect many organs and even become life-threatening.
Black suggests that women with mild preeclampsia reduce their activities. Preeclampsia can go from mild to severe in only a few days.
So again, if you experience any of the symptoms associated with it, call your doctor immediately.
Important Disclaimer: This information is presented for educational purposes only. This isn’t medical advice and it’s not a substitute for any advice or treatment from your physician. You should always see your doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension or any other medical condition.
Technorati Tags: high blood pressure, hypertension, pregnancy, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia
September 4th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Do you notice how many times a poor diet was sited as a possible reason for high blood pressure during pregnancy? We just keep getting more reasons to eat right.
September 4th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Jeez, I would’ve blown off a lot of these symptoms as just having a rough patch in the pregnancy. I didn’t know it could mean there was something life-threatening. Thanks for the info!
September 4th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Happened to a friend of mine. Very sad.
September 4th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
I’ve heard this can happen most to first-time mothers.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
It’d be great if someone could find out the exact cause of this because if it’s just a matter of getting more calcium or vitamins think how easy it would be to save lives.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Why wait until someone finds the cause? Wouldn’t it be better to make sure you get enough vitamins, calcium, fruits and vegetables right now? It may not stop high blood pressure, but it can’t hurt.